This guide will help you distinguish orginal G1 Transformers from reissues. I'll also give you some tips about what to ask when buying them.
1) Made In China - If you see China anywhere on the toy then it's a reissue. All G1 originals are made in Japan. Ultra Magnus is a little harder to tell because the cab does not have any stamp, it's the underside of the tailer that has the stamp. If you don't have the trailer then you can tell by the smoke stacks. Reissues have very short smoke stacks (barely reaching above the cab)
2) Molds - It's rather difficult to distinguish a reissue from an original just by looking at the mold but experienced people will be able to tell. Reissues tend to have smoother edges, originals have sharp corners and detail.
3) Accessories - Reissues have longer missiles, nearly double the length of the originals. It's very hard to explain verbally in what to look for, your best bet it to take a picture and ask someone in the forum.
4) Looks Too New - More often then none if the toy looks too good to be true then you probably have a reissue so take the time and look for the stamp. I've had many instances where this has happened to me.
Here are some questions you should ask if not sure;
1) Is it a reissue? LOL :)
2) Does it say made in China or Japan?
3) When was it purchased? (Reissues were released in 2000 and up)
I really can't think of anymore at this time. Hope it helped!
EDIT: The same rules can apply to He-Man reissues. Thanks aLeX!
